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My work life for the past year has been tumultuous at best … never a steady even keel like I had grown use to. Up until about 10 days ago I had been able to take everything in stride, deal with it, and survive … but it hasn’t been easy.

However, last week things changed dramatically for the worse. I went home after another very difficult day – shut myself off from the outside world – and had some quiet time with God and The Universe. I needed help to somehow improve my working situation and I had absolutely no clue what to do or where to even start to make that possible.

I’ve been at my company for over 34 years now … I could quit if I really, really wanted to. But I’d like to hang in there until 7-31-09. On that day I will be 55 yrs old and will have been with the company for a little over 35 years. That is a huge milestone that I would like to achieve.

As luck would have it –and after all my experiences of the past 5 years I know luck has absolutely nothing to do with it — I had scheduled my yearly physical for last Thursday (although it’s really been two years – I’m not much for going to the doctor unless I’m on my death bed). When I told my doctor about all the chaos … she immediately recommended a medical leave of absence, which I didn’t argue with. I’ll be at home, away from my job, for a minimum of 2 weeks.

It is a welcome break and it will give me a chance to get some balance back into my life and just breathe.

It is proof once again that when you need something, all you have to do is ask. A medical leave was something that had never crossed my mind. I thought my options were to quit or once again suck it up and be tough.

My sense is that there is more to this story and I’m anxiously waiting to see how it will all unfold. It is such a relief to have this break though and I’m going to savor every moment. As the saying goes, “I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know who holds the future.” Not sure who gets credit for that one, but I love it.